The pros and cons of SORNing your car | Rooster
If you’re not planning to use your vehicle for a while, you might consider registering it as off the road. Understanding the pros and cons of SORNing your car is important before making the decision, as it can save you money but also limit your vehicle’s use.
What does SORN mean?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It’s a formal declaration to the DVLA that your car is not being used or parked on public roads. Once SORNed, your car must be kept on private land — a driveway or garage — and you no longer need to pay road tax or insurance (although keeping some insurance for fire or theft cover is advisable).
The pros of SORNing your car
One of the biggest advantages is financial savings. By SORNing your vehicle, you don’t have to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) or maintain insurance (unless you choose to). If you only use your car seasonally or are planning long repairs, SORNing can save a considerable amount over time.
You can also easily make a SORN online or by post, and it’s free to do so.
The cons of SORNing your car
The main disadvantage is inconvenience. You cannot drive or park the car on any public road — not even for short trips — unless you are taking it to a pre-booked MOT test. Getting your car back on the road requires re-taxing and re-insuring it, which can be an extra hassle if you need the vehicle unexpectedly.
Additionally, forgetting to arrange insurance when you bring the car back onto the road could result in penalties.
By weighing the pros and cons of SORNing your car, you can make a smart financial and practical decision based on your situation.
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